Important Architectural, Educational & Historical Interest Sites

Central Park: the central park of many of the towns is a nice place to lounge. Howvwer, the Parque Central of Heredia is an exceptionally lovely place to catch some rays or to take a stoll with its boulevard of mango trees and antique colonial buildings in the background. There is a stage in the center of the park where local events and celebrations are held such as concerts and other social gatherings. The park is a great place to get a glance into the past, people watch, socialize with Costa Ricans, and be immersed in real Costa Rican culture.

Barva Basilica: is a white jewel located in the pleasant little town of Barva just north of Heredia city. This church dates back to the 18th century and remains a national historical monument. This is an attraction that not many visitors to Costa Rica get the opportunity to see.

Museum of Popular Culture: this is located in a rural town called Santa Lucia of Barva. This museum is a jem run by the National University and is dedicated to showing how life used to be in Costa Rica in the past. One of this museums most prized possessions is the typical adobe houses which has been kept in tact with antiques of its period. The whole experience will take you back in time even the way they fresh brew the coffee in the little stand with the burlap sack will make you appreciate how people used to live a much simpler life. If you would like to visit you should call 2260-1619 or click here for more information.

El Fortin: this national monument is hard to miss and perhaps one of Heredia's most well known landmarks. It is located at the crossing of central street and avenue just diagonal of the Church of the Immaculate Conception. It has even become a symbol for Heredia. It is basically a fort tower built of a brick in 1876 by the Spanish governor and excecuted by Fadrique Guitierrez. Even though it is a fort it was never used in a conflict. Now it is filled with beautiful ornamental gardens, a play ground, and even a concert amphitheater.

Casa de la Cultura: this was the very first building to ever exist in Belen. This house was the former home of ex President Alfredo Gonzalez Flores who was in office from 1913 to 1917. The home is now filled with interesting artwork and has been declared a National Historic Interest Site and is conserved by Patrimonial Cultural, the Ministry of Culture, and Youth Sports. It has been open to the public since 1999 and is now a place for local cultural events.

Church of the Immaculate Conception: known to locals as the Imaculada. The church began construction in 1797 and was said to have been finished in 1806. Over the years the church has suffered many storms and earthquakes and has been rebuilt and also refurbished many times. One of the saints statues St. Peter was created by Fadrique Guitierrez. The church is very international as well as the church bells are from Peru and the stained glass windows are from France.

Cafe Britt Coffee Tour: this tour is in Barva and is a fantastic day trip and educational experience for all. The tour covers the processing of coffee, production throughout Costa Rican history, the importance of coffee, tastings, and if you are lucky some typical dancing. For more information on the Cafe Britt coffee tour click here.

The National University: the Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica campus in Heredia is utilized by literally thousands of Costa Rican students from around the country attend this University. This is one of the four public Universities in all of Costa Rica and is one of the only universities that offers studies in Marine Biology. For more information on the University click here.

Hotel Bougainvillea: an incredible oasis in the city with 10 acres of lovely landscaping, frog ponds, fine dining, a swimming pool, and more. This boutique hotel is a great place to spend the day, have lunch, or just stroll around. For more information on the hotel click here.